Town of Vail Information & Overview

Learn more about the history and vital statistics of this wonderful place we call Vail.

Since its incorporation in 1966, Vail has earned the distinction as one of the leading mountain resort communities in North America. With more open space than any other community of its kind, free transit and other environmentally-sensitive services, plus an abundance of recreational, cultural and educational opportunities, Vail has become not only a great place to visit, but an even better place to live.

Vail Vital Statistics

Elevation: 8,150 feet

Size: 4.6 square miles, 8.5 miles in length

Location: 100 miles west of Denver on Interstate 70 in Eagle County and easily accessible via the Eagle County Regional Airport, 35 miles to the west. Vail is surrounded by 350,000 acres of White River National Forest land.

Climate: Vail receives more than 335 inches of snow annually and almost 300 days of sunshine each year. During the summer, daytime temperatures average 75 degrees and 45 degrees for the nighttime low. Winter daytime temperatures average 45 degrees, with lows dipping below 30 degrees.

Community

On the heels of its success as a resort, Vail has evolved into an appealing recreation-friendly alpine community now comprised of nearly 5,000 full-time residents and an estimated 5,000 part-time residents. Together, Vail is considered to be a leader in its resort-community qualities and best practices. Examples include:

Largest free transit system in the nation.

First modern roundabout interchange in the nation.

More open space (30 percent of its lands) than any other resort community in the U.S.

Home to Gore Creek, one of only 11 Gold Medal fishing streams in the state.

4 percent ski lift tax is the first of its kind in the country and represents the highest contribution level by a ski resort to its municipal partner in the state and perhaps the nation. The funds assist in the operation of Vail’s free transit system.

First to host three World Alpine Ski Championships in the U.S. (1989,1999, 2015).

First venue for New York Philharmonic summer residency outside the state of New York.

Recognized as a resort leader in redevelopment initiatives of $1.5 billion in public-private investments from 2004 to 2008, representing more than 50 percent of property in the core areas of Vail Village and Lionshead.

Ranked as a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists with 15 miles of recreation paths from East Vail to West Vail and hiking and biking trails on Vail Mountain.

Host to Vail Lacrosse Shootout and King of the Mountain Volleyball events for over 40 years.

New home to Burton US Open Snowboard Championship since 2013.

Most connected resort in North America with the most technologically advanced outdoor LTE cellular system in the country.

Resort

Vail Resorts, Inc. is the operator of Vail Mountain.
Coveted as one of the largest ski resorts in the world with more than 5,200 acres of skiable terrain, seven legendary Back Bowls spanning seven miles, and the most groomed terrain on the planet, Vail has been an extraordinary winter vacation destination for passionate skiers and snowboarders for more than 50 years. It is home to world-class athletes during the U.S. Ski Team early-season training sessions in Golden Peak, the Burton US Open Snowboarding Championships and the 2015 World Alpine Ski Championships. Under blue skies more than 300 days each year, friends and families reconnect and celebrate here from year to year and generation to generation. The vacation experience is exceptional, from the Vail Ski & Snowboard School to events, activities and festivals, shops and spas, abundant culinary experiences and luxurious accommodations. Coupled with the vision inherent in the spirit of Vail’s founders, and a modern day commitment to excellence in all aspects of guest service and operations, Vail is a mountain resort like nothing on earth. vail.com.

Get In Touch

Use the information below to contact the Town of Vail or visit our contact page.

From hiking in the summer to skiing in the winter, there’s always something to do in Vail.

Visitors and residents alike enjoy the 1,100 acres of open space accounting for 50 percent of Vail’s town-owned land; 350,000 surrounding acres of national forest, crowned by 5,289 skiable acres on one of the largest and best ski mountains in the world.